Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington was fined $21,000 for a helmet-to-helmet shot on Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, and the Colts are beginning to think their guy’s being targeted.
According to Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star, Arrington makes the seventh Colts opponent to be fined for hitting Luck, and the tally is up to $97,500.
Luck hasn’t bristled at the rough treatment he’s getting, but those around him have.
“It’s inevitable,’’ veteran defensive end Cory Redding said. “When you’re a rookie, guys are going to take shots at you. Period. You’ve got to earn your stripes.’’
“When you’re the first pick in the draft, guys are going to be gunning for you,’’ offensive tackle Winston Justice added.
Colts interim coach Bruce Arians said he’s made his feelings known the the league, regularly sending in tape for review.
“You keep sending
in and ask ‘What’s going to be done?’’’ Arians said. “There’s really nothing you can do. You just have to keep playing the game. You can’t play in fear of it.’’
To his credit, Luck hasn’t pitched a fit over this. Just as veteran baseball pitchers have smaller strike zones than rookies, older quarterbacks of a certain status undoubtedly receive more protection from officials.
Of course, if the Colts don’t spend the next few offseasons providing better protection for Luck, the blame for the hits he’s taking will swing back to them.